NFL Week 10 what we learned: From Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow’s epic battle, unbeaten Chiefs, and continued misery for Aaron Rodgers and Cowboys
7th to 11th November saw football fans glued to their televisions to watch 14 games as part of NFL Week 10.
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Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow opened NFL Week 10 with a banger (Image via X)
NFL Week 10 of the 2024-25 season started off with a banger. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow battled it out to set the tone for the week. But then onwards, football fans saw turnovers dominate games. The aftermath of that was offenses struggling with the likes of Aaron Rodgers looking lost.
Some regular winners, such as the Detroit Lions, were one of those that were plagued with turnovers. Quarterback Jared Goff threw five interceptions, more than all the games he played before in this season. But at the end of the game, the Lions showed why they are Super Bowl favorites.
Other Super Bowl contenders showing their mettle were the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers’ opponents on the day, the Washington Commanders, had some questionable plays that proved the team needs experienced veterans to handle clutch situations.
Some teams faced heartbreaking losses, embarrassments, and head-scratching moments. It left football folk watching what transpired in NFL Week 10 to chalk up many discussions and questions. With more negatives showing up than positives, the week could be broken down into the following.
Defying the odds
Several teams playing had the odds stacked against them, either in the second half or in the dying seconds. The Ravens managed to hold on to their lead to win after Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson showed what elite QBs can do.
Jared Goff rallied his team back to win against the stud Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings kept up their winning mindset despite not scoring a single touchdown all game. Even Bryce Young won a second consecutive game for the first time in his NFL career.
But none drew more roars and cheers than when Kansas City Chiefs star linebacker Leo Chenal blocked Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz‘s field goal attempt. That block had ramifications across the league. For starters, Patrick Mahomes and his teammates continue to be unbeaten.
Then, it gave the rest of the league further proof of how difficult it is to beat the back-to-back Super Bowl champions when the game is on the line. They are masters at it with the brains and the desire they play with.
Well-coached teams kept winning in NFL Week 10
The Lions are at the front of the queue at the moment. But a few teams showed in NFL Week 10 why their names should be kept in mind when talking about solid contenders. Prime among them was the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Russell Wilson‘s resurgence is no doubt documentary-worthy if he caps it off with a deep playoff run. But how they won against the high-flying Commanders was worth debating. Mike Tomlin has coached his team well, so they know how to respond when their time comes.
For instance, rookie center Zach Frazier teamed up with his veteran quarterback to fool their opponents. The Commanders’ defensive line bit into that fake snap and jumped to give the Steelers a crucial first down.
Other well-coached teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers, continued to defy the odds. Even with the way the Philadelphia Eagles are playing, earlier questions about Nick Sirianni‘s coaching capabilities have seemingly been tossed out.
Jerry Jones and his Dallas Cowboys
That game for the Eagles was against the Dallas Cowboys at their house. If anything, it was one of the worst displays of football from the team after they managed to score just six points, that too off-field goals.
With Dak Prescott already out, everyone expected the Cowboys offense to stutter. But no one expected this big a drop in performance as the visiting Eagles pummeled them. If anything, owner Jerry Jones is now getting further proof of how his mismanagement is affecting his team.
Earlier with Prescott leading the way, he masked the problems on offense. Now with two backup quarterbacks, the team might as well throw in the towel and plan for next season. But at least they have some young pieces to bank upon, unlike both the teams in New York.
Aaron Rodgers and the two New York teams
The New York Giants are not of any concern to Aaron Rodgers, but the team is struggling mightily after losing to the Carolina Panthers. Now they are one of the two worst teams in the league. Not surprising considering the mess of a squad they have and the horrible play from Daniel Jones.
But Jones was never quite expected to be the savior, rather he was expected to bring stability as the team progressed. On the other hand, Rodgers was the savior who was supposed to jolt the New York Jets out of their half-century-long hibernation.
The one win against the Houston Texans suggested it could work. But the loss to the Arizona Cardinals proved the team is no good. With just seven games left, and the hungry teams they will face, their season looks like it is all but over.
NFL Week 10 gave some excitement, but mostly, it forced many into reflection. The outcomes of those discussions will probably have an impact, both in this season and the next. Winning football games is tough on everyone.
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Joseph Varghese
(2309 Articles Published)